Tripura Eyes GI Tag For Indigenous 'Risha'

Agartala: After the 'Queen' variety pineapple, Tripura is in pursuit of securing a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Risha, a famous indigenous handwoven cloth used by the state's indigenous communities.

According to reports, the state government will soon forward a proposal to the central government in this regard.

Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission Chief Executive Officer Dr. Vishal Kumar, while speaking on the issue, said that the state government is also working hard for value addition and quality upliftment of the product.

He added that the necessary documents for 'Risha' will be submitted to the central government by the month of June and further added that the aim is to make the product fit for the global market. He is hopeful that the benefits will be reflected in the next one or two years.

Tripura government and its Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb have been promoting the traditional 'Risha' as a signature identity of the state. 'Risha' was announced to be a brand under the Indian Handloom Brand last year.

Tripura CM has included this product as an essential part of his style statement ever since he began his political innings in Tripura.

Meanwhile, the indigenous cloth is widely considered as a token of people due to the fact that people irrespective of caste and community use it in social and cultural events.

Notably, this product has been used as an upper garment by women. Besides this, it is also used as headgear, a stole, or as a gift to convey respect. It is wrapped around the torso twice as an upper garment.

'Risha' has been used as an honorary stole by indigenous community leaders and tribal political leaders for several years.

Earlier, the geographical indication (GI) tag was accorded to Tripura's 'Queen' variety of pineapple. The product has a footprint presence outside India and has hit international markets of different countries including the middle-east, where it has attracted people's attention due to its unique taste.

Also read: Tripura: One Arrested Over 'Attack' On Ex-Minister Sudip Roy Barman

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